Africa by Lusso

At a glance

Nearly 30,000 hectares of protected wilderness home to all the Big Five as well 436 bird species
Famous for its close-up sightings of cheetah and rare black rhino
Seven distinct habitats, from rare sand forest to wetlands, grasslands and woodlands, interspersed by snaking rivers and green-ridged mountains
Six magnificent lodges, each with its own individual charm and character
Specialist activities include birding and photographic safaris, cultural encounters and conservation efforts to protect rhinos, elephants and pangolins

Overview

Phinda Private Game Reserve was established more than 30 years ago to return indigenous game to the area. Its seven distinct habitats, which range from rare sand forests to mountains and wetlands, are home to all the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino) as well as elegant nyala antelope, shy red dukier and a thriving population of cheetah. In fact, Phinda is one of the best places in the world to observe these rare big cats in the wild. Accommodation is spread across six luxury lodges. One of our favourites is Phinda Vlei Lodge, a plantation-style hideaway on the edge of the sand forest with six blissfully romantic suites, all with private plunge pools and viewing decks looking out onto a vast grassy meadow, where the rollcall of wildlife is virtually ever-changing.

More dramatic is Phinda Rock Lodge, whose stone-built suites are seemingly suspended over a deep forest valley, providing breathtaking views from their decks and private plunge pools.

Larger but well hidden is Phinda Forest Lodge, 16 Zen-like suites with floor-to-ceiling glass walls, secluded within a rare and beautiful sand forest.

For families we recommend Phinda Mountain Lodge, perched on a hilltop with wraparound views of the lush Lebombo foothills. It features three different room types, all with outdoor showers and private plunge pools - 16 suites, six cottages that can be turned into three connecting family cottages, and one family suite.

Larger groups may wish to consider one of the exclusive-use lodges: Phinda Zuka Lodge, whose four thatched suites overlook a private, wildlife-rich waterhole, or Phinda Homestead, a four-bedroom villa tucked into the edge of a dappled forest, complete with dedicated ranger, tracker, butler and chef.

Wherever you choose to stay, activities include day and night game drives, bush walking adventures, community visits, cultural experiences, ocean-based adventures, and the chance to be part of Phinda's conservation efforts by helping monitor and research species like rhino, elephant and pangolin.

When to visit

Best

Good

Varied

January

29ºC

Maximum Tempurature

20ºC

Minimum Tempurature

130mm

Average Rainfall

January is the peak of the summer season in South Africa. Days are hot and humid, interspersed with tropical thunderstorms that usually occur in the afternoons. Wildlife viewing may be a bit more challenging due to the thicker vegetation, however this is breeding season so expect to see many young animals. Bird watching is very good with many summer migrants. The increased elevation of the Drakensberg offers respite from the hot and humid conditions of the coast. This is also nesting season for leatherback and loggerhead turtles along the beaches of Isimangaliso.
February

29ºC

Maximum Tempurature

21ºC

Minimum Tempurature

110mm

Average Rainfall

As with January, February is the peak of the summer season and tends to be one of the hottest months. Days are hot and humid with notable rainfall falling in short sharp downpours in the afternoon; the moody skies make for some excellent photography. Due to the rainfall and lush vegetation many animals give birth, and bird watching is excellent with many summer migrants present. The increased elevation of the Drakensberg offers respite from the hot and humid conditions of the coast. This is also nesting season for leatherback and loggerhead turtles along the beaches of Isimangaliso.
March

27ºC

Maximum Tempurature

20ºC

Minimum Tempurature

110mm

Average Rainfall

Temperatures start to cool from the height of the summer season. It's still hot during the day but evenings and early mornings are cooler, so layers are recommended when on safari. March lies at the end of the nesting season for leatherback and loggerhead turtles along the beaches of Isimangaliso. Bird watching is still very good.
April

27ºC

Maximum Tempurature

17ºC

Minimum Tempurature

55mm

Average Rainfall

Temperatures start to cool down as South Africa starts to move into autumn. Days are still warm, dry and clear making it a good time to visit. Humidity drops and evenings and early mornings are cooler, so layers are recommended on game drives. Vegetation starts to reduce making game viewing much easier. Bird watching is still good, however many summer migrants are starting to head off to warmer climes. April is a good time for trekking in the Drakensberg as temperatures are milder and the threat of thunderstorms has abated.
May

25ºC

Maximum Tempurature

14ºC

Minimum Tempurature

50mm

Average Rainfall

May heralds the end of the summer season in South Africa, with the onset of cooler weather. However, it's still a wonderful time to visit, with mild, sunny days and clear skies. Evening and early mornings are significantly cooler than previous months, so plenty of layers are recommended when on safari, however daytime temperatures are pleasantly mild. Wildlife viewing is good as the vegetation starts to thin out. KwaZulu-Natal, with its subtropical climate, remains warm and pleasant with cooler evenings. The Drakensberg experiences warm dry days and cooler evenings, making it a good time for trekking.
June

23ºC

Maximum Tempurature

11ºC

Minimum Tempurature

31mm

Average Rainfall

June sees the first proper month of winter in South Africa. Days are clear and sunny but evenings and mornings are cool. The great sardine run occurs in June and July, when millions of sardines migrate up the coast, followed by a host of predators, attacking the mass of fish from above and below the waterline - the ultimate feeding frenzy. The elevation of the Drakensberg means temperatures are much cooler; days are warm and dry but evenings are very cold, with snow common at higher altitudes.
July

22ºC

Maximum Tempurature

11ºC

Minimum Tempurature

30mm

Average Rainfall

July is an excellent time to go on safari with less foliage and depleted water sources making wildlife viewing easier. Days are sunny and mild, however early mornings and evenings are chilly so layers are recommended. The great sardine run occurs in June and July, when millions of sardines migrate up the coast followed by a host of predators, attacking the mass of fish from above and below the waterline - the ultimate feeding frenzy.
August

23ºC

Maximum Tempurature

13ºC

Minimum Tempurature

50mm

Average Rainfall

Weather in KwaZulu-Natal is mild and dry, making this one of the best places in South Africa to visit in August. Temperatures remain the highest along the coastal areas and the sea remains warm for swimming. Temperatures drop as you move further inland with the Drakensberg experiencing cold temperatures and even snowfall.
September

23ºC

Maximum Tempurature

15ºC

Minimum Tempurature

70mm

Average Rainfall

September is a great time to visit KwaZulu-Natal as days are warm and dry and evening temperatures are mild.
October

24ºC

Maximum Tempurature

16ºC

Minimum Tempurature

90mm

Average Rainfall

October heralds the end of the dry season and temperatures are on the rise. The landscape starts to change with a return to thicker vegetation and greenery, though spotting wildlife is still easy enough at this time. KwaZulu-Natal enjoys warm, mostly dry days, although there is an increased chance of rain.
November

25ºC

Maximum Tempurature

18ºC

Minimum Tempurature

116mm

Average Rainfall

KwaZulu-Natal is hot and humid with increased rainfall, which tends to come as spectacular afternoon thunderstorms. With the rains the vegetation thickens making it more difficult to spot wildlife, and as water becomes more prevalent animals disperse. This is the time of plenty, and many animals will give birth around this time. Many migrant bird species have arrived from Europe for the breeding season. The elevation of the Drakensberg offers respite from the hot and humid conditions of the coast. November also sees the start of nesting season for leatherback and loggerhead turtles along the beaches of Isimangaliso.
December

27ºC

Maximum Tempurature

21ºC

Minimum Tempurature

102mm

Average Rainfall

December is summer in South Africa, with warm temperatures and increased rainfall. Game viewing is more challenging as the thicker vegetation reduces visibility. There is also more surface water, so wildlife moves away from waterholes. On the flip side, bird watching is excellent, with many migratory species in their breeding plumage. It's also peak nesting season for leatherback and loggerhead turtles along the beaches of Isimangaliso.

Location

Phinda lies within easy reach of the Indian Ocean coastline and the famous Isimangaliso / Greater St Lucia Wetland Park in northern KwaZulu-Natal. Airlink offers daily scheduled flights from Johannesburg to &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve, alternatively it is a seven-hour drive from Johannesburg or a 3.5-hour drive from Durban on good roads. Private charters can be arranged from anywhere in South Africa to &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve’s airstrip.

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